Advice on Front Light Set-Up / Bike Light Etiquette...
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Advice on Front Light Set-Up / Bike Light Etiquette...
Hi,
I'm fairly new to posting on bike forums, but have been an avid reader for awhile. Lots of great info here! I've been bike commuting for about a year, though I was lax about it last winter.
I have a Niterider Lumina 500 lumens light on my handlebar and Princeton Tec EOS light on my helmet (80 lumens). The helmet light is mainly to be seen by others. I feel like I need 1) higher lumens and 2) a light with a wider beam. My evening commute is mostly a mix of road and multi-use paths (MUP). One road is winding, hilly, has no lights and sometimes has joggers in the bike lane. One of the longer MUPs I take is very dark. I also have a short stretch on a freeway overpass sidewalk over a creek (it's the official bike route), with oncoming car lights pointed at me. It seems like this "cancels" out my lights and it is very tough to see. I also had two flats in a row (both on the evening commute home, in an industrial area) and I would like to be able to see the road debris better at night.
So I am wondering if any of you have any advice on how to improve my set up? I recently got a gift card for REI, so I am hoping to get something at their upcoming "garage" sale - ideally $200 or less. I'm considering the Cygolite Expilion 800 for the handlebars. Not sure if it would make sense to use two lights on my handlebars and have one pointed straight and one angled down? The Niterider seems a bit too large & heavy to mount on my helmet, but it's an option. I'm currently commuting on my road bike, usually about 9 miles each way.
The other issue is in regard to the various lighting conditions on my route. Should I be lowering my light beam or otherwise adjusting it when I get on lighted MUP's? There are two lighted MUP's on my route, one of them goes through a very brightly lit tunnel - where I encounter a number of cyclists/pedestrians coming in the other direction.
I'm fairly new to posting on bike forums, but have been an avid reader for awhile. Lots of great info here! I've been bike commuting for about a year, though I was lax about it last winter.
I have a Niterider Lumina 500 lumens light on my handlebar and Princeton Tec EOS light on my helmet (80 lumens). The helmet light is mainly to be seen by others. I feel like I need 1) higher lumens and 2) a light with a wider beam. My evening commute is mostly a mix of road and multi-use paths (MUP). One road is winding, hilly, has no lights and sometimes has joggers in the bike lane. One of the longer MUPs I take is very dark. I also have a short stretch on a freeway overpass sidewalk over a creek (it's the official bike route), with oncoming car lights pointed at me. It seems like this "cancels" out my lights and it is very tough to see. I also had two flats in a row (both on the evening commute home, in an industrial area) and I would like to be able to see the road debris better at night.
So I am wondering if any of you have any advice on how to improve my set up? I recently got a gift card for REI, so I am hoping to get something at their upcoming "garage" sale - ideally $200 or less. I'm considering the Cygolite Expilion 800 for the handlebars. Not sure if it would make sense to use two lights on my handlebars and have one pointed straight and one angled down? The Niterider seems a bit too large & heavy to mount on my helmet, but it's an option. I'm currently commuting on my road bike, usually about 9 miles each way.
The other issue is in regard to the various lighting conditions on my route. Should I be lowering my light beam or otherwise adjusting it when I get on lighted MUP's? There are two lighted MUP's on my route, one of them goes through a very brightly lit tunnel - where I encounter a number of cyclists/pedestrians coming in the other direction.
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I have the light and motion urban 700. It's extremely bright, comes with a helmet mount, and is only about 130 grams. I highly recommend it.
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Two different light on the handlebar is not a good option. It will probably cause asymmetric beam. It looks strange for human eye. I have two different light but they are mounted one below other. Thanks to that beam is symmetric.
I think 500 lm main light and 80 lm backup is good enough for commuting proposes. 500 lm pointed strait is already too much when used in the traffic.
I think 500 lm main light and 80 lm backup is good enough for commuting proposes. 500 lm pointed strait is already too much when used in the traffic.
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I've been very happy with the light and motion 360 plus for my helmet. I run a light on the handlebars as well but I'd like to eventually change that to a generator driven light.
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Two lights is fine. I run two on a light bar.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._email_1p_0_ti
Get one of these for a wide beam
https://www.amazon.com/Angle-MagicShi...ef=pd_sim_sg_1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._email_1p_0_ti
Get one of these for a wide beam
https://www.amazon.com/Angle-MagicShi...ef=pd_sim_sg_1
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Fred "The Real Fred"
#8
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I recently had both headlights fail, an older Niterider Minewt and a Lumina 650. Replaced with two Lumina 700s, one on the helmet and one on the bars. Really like the light output, mounts and weight. Helmet/bars combo gives you a high/low light profile that readily identifies you as a bike. Helmet light works great for twisty trails where you need light around corners, and for getting the attention of cars. Props to REI for fully refunding the Lumina 650.
#9
Banned
the multiple battery light kit has it's fans , obviously , in a more modest, simpler,
but always there Hub dynamo Powered LED head and taillight set ,
I have lights every time my front wheel turns..
back to the my lumens are bigger than yours one-up-man-ship,game..
Off road n night time trail riding the light up the forrest flood lights have their place.
just dont think its as crucial on the streetlight lit city streets, but others seem to find comfort there.
but always there Hub dynamo Powered LED head and taillight set ,
I have lights every time my front wheel turns..
back to the my lumens are bigger than yours one-up-man-ship,game..
Off road n night time trail riding the light up the forrest flood lights have their place.
just dont think its as crucial on the streetlight lit city streets, but others seem to find comfort there.
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-27-13 at 10:44 AM.
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Two lights is fine. I run two on a light bar.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._email_1p_0_ti
Get one of these for a wide beam
https://www.amazon.com/Angle-MagicShi...ef=pd_sim_sg_1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._email_1p_0_ti
Get one of these for a wide beam
https://www.amazon.com/Angle-MagicShi...ef=pd_sim_sg_1
Hey 10wheels, how well does that compass work? That's a great idea too.
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I don't think there is a problem with two lights on your handlebar. I have done this, with a higher power light facing further forward (Niterider Lumina 700) and a lower power light aiming down. They lower power light I have been using is not quite bright as I would like, I think I will look at something closer to 200 lumen, like the Knog Blinder Road 2). I don't always use both lights this way anymore now that I have my helmet light. I change brightness between low, medium, and high depending on how well lit the area I am in is for the NR700.
I also use a helmet light more recently, the Light and Motion vis 360+ - this is a GREAT light, At 250 lumens the headlight seems almost as bright as my niterider 700, which is impressive. I point it further down to illuminate the ground in front of me in dark areas. In brighter areas I point it higher up to get attention of drivers. I typically use it on low for better battery life (3 days for me).
I got a L+M Urban 700 as a gift for a second bike, instead of swapping lights. I haven't tried riding with it yet but it seems really bright with a nice beam pattern.
My commute involves a couple MUPs, some sections are light but most is very dark. There are a lot of peds. I tend to keep my light aimed a bit further down on these, particularly the helmet light, and I often try to shield the light from peds with my hand as I pass.
You mentioned wanting a wider beam, but one thing to consider is you want a beam that is wide, low, but not one that throws to much light high and wide - this will be wasted light and in the eyes of peds, bikers, etc on these MUPs. I think beam pattern is often an overlooked difference between some cheap and expensive lights.
I also use a helmet light more recently, the Light and Motion vis 360+ - this is a GREAT light, At 250 lumens the headlight seems almost as bright as my niterider 700, which is impressive. I point it further down to illuminate the ground in front of me in dark areas. In brighter areas I point it higher up to get attention of drivers. I typically use it on low for better battery life (3 days for me).
I got a L+M Urban 700 as a gift for a second bike, instead of swapping lights. I haven't tried riding with it yet but it seems really bright with a nice beam pattern.
My commute involves a couple MUPs, some sections are light but most is very dark. There are a lot of peds. I tend to keep my light aimed a bit further down on these, particularly the helmet light, and I often try to shield the light from peds with my hand as I pass.
You mentioned wanting a wider beam, but one thing to consider is you want a beam that is wide, low, but not one that throws to much light high and wide - this will be wasted light and in the eyes of peds, bikers, etc on these MUPs. I think beam pattern is often an overlooked difference between some cheap and expensive lights.
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Thanks for all the replies! 10 Wheels: You've got some seriously well-equipped bikes. If the apocalypse comes, I would like to be on one of those bikes.
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...
The other issue is in regard to the various lighting conditions on my route. Should I be lowering my light beam or otherwise adjusting it when I get on lighted MUP's? There are two lighted MUP's on my route, one of them goes through a very brightly lit tunnel - where I encounter a number of cyclists/pedestrians coming in the other direction.
The other issue is in regard to the various lighting conditions on my route. Should I be lowering my light beam or otherwise adjusting it when I get on lighted MUP's? There are two lighted MUP's on my route, one of them goes through a very brightly lit tunnel - where I encounter a number of cyclists/pedestrians coming in the other direction.
#14
Banned
a couple of quick points:
1. This is the most comprehensive resource for information about lighting on the net https://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tes.../index_en.html
2. People on BF believe that more lighting is better, which I strongly disagree with as it's a nuisance to other cyclists and motorists. I believe that a specific beam (like in an automobile) is far better in the short term (easier to ride with) and longer term (promotes proper legislation).
3. Therefore, IMHO, the best battery-powered light on the market is here: https://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tes.../index_en.html
4. This opinion changes if you have/want a front dynamo hub ... but if you're US based, I would guess this isn't likely due to market(ing) forces.
1. This is the most comprehensive resource for information about lighting on the net https://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tes.../index_en.html
2. People on BF believe that more lighting is better, which I strongly disagree with as it's a nuisance to other cyclists and motorists. I believe that a specific beam (like in an automobile) is far better in the short term (easier to ride with) and longer term (promotes proper legislation).
3. Therefore, IMHO, the best battery-powered light on the market is here: https://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tes.../index_en.html
4. This opinion changes if you have/want a front dynamo hub ... but if you're US based, I would guess this isn't likely due to market(ing) forces.
Last edited by acidfast7; 01-03-14 at 08:52 AM.
#15
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Two lights is fine. I run two on a light bar.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._email_1p_0_ti
Get one of these for a wide beam
https://www.amazon.com/Angle-MagicShi...ef=pd_sim_sg_1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._email_1p_0_ti
Get one of these for a wide beam
https://www.amazon.com/Angle-MagicShi...ef=pd_sim_sg_1
For halcyon100: I'd suggest dumping the Princeton Tech on your helmet. Go to a higher output light there. Having a high intensity light on the gimbal that is your head has advantages. You can direct the light wherever you need it. This means that you can illuminate corners better and you can spotlight road hazards. Although I don't advocate riding bike paths at night because of the effects on other users, you can also direct the light away from people coming at you on a narrow path. A momentary...and small...turn of your head moves the light out of their line of vision. You can either power down your handlebar lights or turn them off and still have enough light to see with if you have a high intensity helmet light.
I don't know that I would go to REI for lights, however. There are just too many inexpensive (<$20) high output lights on the market and the lights are changing so quickly, that you'd waste your money at REI. Buy something else at REI but go to Amazon or Fleabay for lights.
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
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#16
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a couple of quick points:
1. This is the most comprehensive resource for information about lighting on the net https://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tes.../index_en.html
1. This is the most comprehensive resource for information about lighting on the net https://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tes.../index_en.html
2. People on BF believe that more lighting is better, which I strongly disagree with as it's a nuisance to other cyclists and motorists. I believe that a specific beam (like in an automobile) is far better in the short term (easier to ride with) and longer term (promotes proper legislation).
Bike paths are a different story which is one of the reasons that I don't ride them at night.
3. Therefore, IMHO, the best battery-powered light on the market is here: https://swhs.home.xs4all.nl/fiets/tes.../index_en.html
We really aren't a third world country on this side of the pond. You can get dynamo hubs and dynamo lights from many, many sources. Many of us choose not to for very valid reasons just as some choose dynamo set ups for their own reasons.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Last edited by cyccommute; 01-03-14 at 02:51 PM.
#17
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#18
Banned
Comprehensive only if you are considering dynamo lighting. Not so comprehensive if you are considering battery lighting.
Let's just say that I strongly disagree. On a roadway, a bicycle light is so narrow and so far to the outside of a motorist travel lane as to may any nuisance issues to motorists a nonissue. For on-coming cyclists on a roadway, it doesn't even rise to the level of "nonissue".
Bike paths are a different story which is one of the reasons that I don't ride at night.
It's okay but has some limitations. The primary one is price. $200 is a lot to address a problem that doesn't exist.
Let's just say that I strongly disagree. On a roadway, a bicycle light is so narrow and so far to the outside of a motorist travel lane as to may any nuisance issues to motorists a nonissue. For on-coming cyclists on a roadway, it doesn't even rise to the level of "nonissue".
Bike paths are a different story which is one of the reasons that I don't ride at night.
It's okay but has some limitations. The primary one is price. $200 is a lot to address a problem that doesn't exist.
2. Battery-powered lighting is being phased-out on a global scale. The US is it's last bastion of existence, similar to non-SI units. Personally, I think it will continue to exist there for a while, but I can't really state why, especially given that a Shimano dynamo-powered LED set-up can be had for far less $200. However, the US will probably buck the global trend, as is usually the case.
3. Nowhere near 200 USD, even less than 100 USD with shipping to your door in the US. Maybe even cheaper when purchased the US.
https://www.bike24.de/1.php?content=8...;product=40657
edit: 79 USD in the US.
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-BF48L2...ilips+saferide
Last edited by acidfast7; 01-03-14 at 09:43 AM.
#19
The Left Coast, USA
2. People on BF believe that more lighting is better, which I strongly disagree with as it's a nuisance to other cyclists and motorists. I believe that a specific beam (like in an automobile) is far better in the short term (easier to ride with) and longer term (promotes proper legislation).
#20
Banned
I am in agreement, but I might be photophobic. When I pass another cyclist all lite up at night I have an irresistible urge to track bump. That said, I'll use twin headbeams on my bike, with a third USB/LED often set to flash. The two lights give a 3d effect to road hazards, I like the definition. But, I'll turn them off when I'm not in complete darkness. Most of my at night miles are ridden with a little LED turned down to low, it's plenty. If you ride on uncertain roads, in complete darkness, and want to be prepared for a breakdown, then having all those lumens make sense. But man, that doesn't mean you have to use them all the time. You'd be like one of those cagers driving around town with high beams on, superbrights, and hi powered fog lights. Give it a rest.
I probably "interact" with a ratio of 10 "ninjas" to 1 "less than 1m clearance while passing."
#21
Senior Member
I haven't seen wireless dynamo lights that mount on the helmet. When technology makes that possible, I'll consider using one. Also, for the dynamo fans, it's pointless to have electricity generating capacity year round, when in the summer months there are 14 hours of light. My cordless battery powered lights go into storage in the spring, and come back out in the fall. They mount wherever I need them. Don't see the great advantages of a dynamo hub for commuting.
#22
Banned
I haven't seen wireless dynamo lights that mount on the helmet. When technology makes that possible, I'll consider using one. Also, for the dynamo fans, it's pointless to have electricity generating capacity year round, when in the summer months there are 14 hours of light. My cordless battery powered lights go into storage in the spring, and come back out in the fall. They mount wherever I need them. Don't see the great advantages of a dynamo hub for commuting.
As far as a helmet mounted light ... I don't see the value in a light source moving independent of the direction I am traveling ... seems like wasted energy.
Maybe it strengthens neck muscles
#23
Senior Member
Convenience. Zero maintenance. No failure points. One can't question the technology, only the cost.
As far as a helmet mounted light ... I don't see the value in a light source moving independent of the direction I am traveling ... seems like wasted energy.
Maybe it strengthens neck muscles
As far as a helmet mounted light ... I don't see the value in a light source moving independent of the direction I am traveling ... seems like wasted energy.
Maybe it strengthens neck muscles
#24
Banned
Try a helmet mounted light, and you'll see the great advantages. You can point it where needed at hazards and around turns, get the attention of cars, and the weight of is negligible. My Niterider Lumina 700 sits on top of my helmet, is perfectly balanced, can be aimed higher or lower with a ratcheting mount, and weighs 172 grams including mount. If I had to choose between mounting on the helmet or bars, I would choose the helmet every time. The only time it is bad is in fog, snow or rain, when too much light is reflected back into your eyes. Then it goes on the bars with the other light, or in my bag.
#25
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2. Battery-powered lighting is being phased-out on a global scale. The US is it's last bastion of existence, similar to non-SI units. Personally, I think it will continue to exist there for a while, but I can't really state why, especially given that a Shimano dynamo-powered LED set-up can be had for far less $200. However, the US will probably buck the global trend, as is usually the case.
You are correct on the price. However, that's still 4 times the cost of other available lights that aren't "be seen" lights.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Last edited by cyccommute; 01-03-14 at 12:34 PM.